While many of us find ourselves easily distracted—especially in the modern world of instant information and constant notifications—distraction is only one symptom of ADHD and being distracted doesn’t mean you have ADHD.
What is ADHD?
Typically, symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, excessive activity, and uncontrollable behaviour. The symptoms present between the ages of 6 and 12, last for over 6 months, and disrupt life in at least two settings (school, home, work, recreation, etc).
Although we might consider ADHD to be a childhood disorder, it’s far from rare for an adult to have it. In fact, WebMD claims that “about 4% to 5% of U.S. adults have it“ and that “while many kids with ADHD outgrow it, about 60% still have it as adults.”
Signs of ADHD
Adults with ADHD struggle with inattentiveness, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. Without proper treatment, the adult may encounter a variety of psychological, social, and vocational problems.
Some adults with ADHD can concentrate on projects they find interesting, but others are frustrated with any task. Some adults can be socially withdrawn, and others can be very social in a destructive way (like jumping from one relationship to the next).
Challenges of ADHD
Adults with ADHD may also have a lot of challenges in school, including the following:
- Poor performance.
- A history of disciplinary actions.
- Took the same grade twice in, or even dropped out of, school.
Adults with ADHD are also more likely to:
- Struggle with employment (in terms of job satisfaction, stability and performance).
- Struggle with socioeconomic status.
- Have higher-than-average number of driving violations (speeding, crashes or license suspensions).
- Use illegal substances.
- Smoke cigarettes.
- Self-report other psychological problems.
Benefits of having ADHD
All that being said, there are benefits to having ADHD:
- Hyperfocus
- Resilience
- Generosity
- Ingenuity
- Willingness to take risks
- Spontaneity
- Engaging conversationalist
- Persistence
- Creativity
- Unique perspective
- Motivated
Managing ADHD
Many of those with ADHD have embraced natural solutions that make their condition easily manageable, including diet, organization strategies, time management, sleep, and exercise. Keeping your ADHD managed allows you to take advantage of its benefits.
If you feel pharmaceuticals aren’t for you, EMPowerplus Advanced, combined with the other healthy lifestyle changes mentioned above, may be the answer.